illustration

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-shən 

 also  i-ˌlə-

1

: something that serves to illustrate: such as

a

: a picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

b

: an example or instance that helps make something clear

2

a

: the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated

b

archaic : the action of making illustrious or honored or distinguished

illustrational

ˌi-lə-ˈstrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

 also  i-ˌlə-

adjective

Synonyms

• diagram
• figure
• graphic
• plate
• visual

Choose the Right Synonym for illustration

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category.

instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

Examples of illustration in a Sentence

The illustration on page 30 shows the parts of an engine.

a book with many photographs and illustrations

The illustrations that he provided in his speech were very effective.

They selected photographs to use for the illustration of the book.

Illustration is the key to good communication.

Recent Examples on the Web

The book, which features illustrations from Chuck Groenink, tells of the friendship between two unlikely pals: Digz the Dog and Zurl the Squirrel. —Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 17 Apr. 2024

The style really reminds me of when magazines predominantly featured fashion illustrations over photographs. —Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024

An illustration released by the 2024 Paris Olympic Committee shows opening ceremony plans on the Seine. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 15 Apr. 2024

This illustration of the front view of the James Webb Space Telescope shows its sun shield and golden mirrors. —Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

This portable, inflatable option is Paw Patrol-themed, featuring illustrations of the show’s lovable characters. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 8 Apr. 2024

The young adult book also features illustrations from Gregory Copeland, an award-winning artists whose work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators New York, Communication Arts Illustration Annual, and 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide, among others. —Tim Chan, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024

The three meet in a vanishing point at the bottom edge as if a textbook illustration for Renaissance one-point perspective. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024

The process of writing Yaya and the Sea was different in that the writing and the illustrations had to work in tandem. —Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing illustration

• by way of illustration

Kids Definition

illustration

noun

il·​lus·​tra·​tion ˌil-əs-ˈtrā-shən 

1

: the action of illustrating : the condition of being illustrated

2

: an example or instance used to make something clear

3

: a picture or diagram that explains or decorates